was I right

[timwilky]

OK, I am a guest in the office suite I use. Whilst we all report to the IT business, I report to a different part and look after a totally different client business to the local site.

Today I discover a virus infection has occurred locally, it is not being detected by the approved installed anti virus solution. The local techs have just been told by their management to return the infected system as the approved software is installed and it is therefore not their problem.

On hearing this I informed my line manager to make sure the country management was aware of the issue. I have just had an ear bashing from the local customer services manager because.

It was nothing to do with me.
nothing to do with my boss
If I had an issue with something I should have come to her etc.

We have open networks globally, about 40,000 pc connected. I viewed the instruction I overheard to return an infected pc to the user as dangerous and wanted to escalate within the uk management the issue. The CSM view was that it was being resolved locally why should I/my boss be interested. She cannot get it into her thick head that if I have a concern I talk to my line manager who would have no doubt talked to hers.

Was I right. or should I have done as she tells me and butt out of things that have nothing to do with me.

[Mr Speirs]

I learnt (eventually) that getting involved in things that have nothing to do with me tend to make my life more hassle and/or get me into trouble.

You weren't wrong but if it aint got anything to do with you..don't worry about it.

[Milky Bar Kid]

Take her ear bashing with a pinch of salt. Obviously your line manager felt the risk was serious enough to pass it on. Clearly she has had a butt kicking from her boss and is just passing it down the line. Although, if she has an issue, then she should be taking it up through your line manager as you followed the correct chain by speaking to your own first.

[Sir Trev]

I get told off if I DON'T report things to my boss and he finds out by other means. A control weaknesses is still a weakness, even if it is localised, and you were right to mention it. Perhaps your boss needs to be a bit more candid about how he found out about it though if it filtered back to this woman...

[davepreston]

pardon where you talking to me, sorry i dont report to you i report to joe bloggs ,now if you wish to continue this disscusson please make the arrangements to have MY management team present ,untill then good day to you,
continue typing

[Bri w]

I can't see where you've done anything wrong. Splitting hairs but I suppose you could have asked her, or her staff, was it wise to not inform others of the virus. Once you'd done that, irrespective of her response, then you aren't telling your boss without speaking to her first.

I hate office politics. It shows how small minded she is, amongst other things. And as another has said, she shouldn't have rollexed you - do as I say not as I do.

I'd be inclined to tell her to dos off, and when she complains to your boss about your behaviour it exposes hers.

I operate on "its easier to apologise than it is to get permission." Do it, then smile and apologise afterwards. That way at least it gets done.

[fizzwheel]

I can't see where you've done anything wrong.

If I had the pox on infrastructure that I looked after or one that was connected to something I did. I'd want to know about it and if it wasnt being dealt with appropriately, as in the case Tim describes I'd definately want to know about it.

[Philbo]

Perhaps you should have contacted her with your concerns, give her a chance to put it right before escalating the issue?